A pub that police were called to more than 14 times over the last two years is looking to reopen.

The Field, on Neasden Lane, wants to be able to sell alcohol as well as to play live and recorded music until midnight.

It was closed following multiple reports of crime and disorder on the premises, including drug taking at the pub, threats made with a bottle, a drunk couple in charge of a baby, and a drunk woman making threats to kill.

The venue, which was formerly known as Sal’s Bar, had its licence taken away in 2017, 2018, and 2021 when it was run by a different manager.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The venue pictured when it was called Sal's BarThe venue pictured when it was called Sal's Bar (Image: Street View)

Although it is proposed to open under new management, police claim they are concerned that it still has ties with the former owner.  

During a visit by the Metropolitan Police on February 14, a male found inside the premises initially gave officers the name of the new applicant.

However, when questioned further he admitted that he was actually the previous licence holder.

A 2022 police report said: “The area has high levels of crime, many of which are related to both alcohol and drugs.

“This in turn leads to many calls of anti-social behaviour. Neasden circle also has a number of residential flats above the properties in this area.”

The new applicant said in council documents, that he has had “no engagement” with the previous manager and is now the only person with keys to the premise but will only sign the lease upon being granted the licence.

The pub has previously tried to get a new licence from Brent Council in 2021 under the name of the new licence holder.

However, this was refused as the council’s alcohol and entertainment licensing sub-committee concluded that “the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance would be undermined” if it was allowed.

The application was made against the backdrop of noncompliance with the previous licence and “ongoing and regular complaints of crime” linked to the venue.

The committee accepted that these issues were not the fault of the new applicant, but sought to make sure the issues didn’t reoccur.

The latest application was submitted last month (February), but Brent Council licencing officer Esther Chan has requested that the application be refused as the new applicant “will have little control over how the premises is going to operate”.

The Metropolitan Police also raised concerns about the pub possibly operating without a licence to serve alcohol. During a visit on February 3, an officer’s report referenced seeing alcohol on the premises.

The report said: “I could see that their fridges were fully stocked with alcohol and there was cash in the till. When we asked why there was cash in the till if they were not operating they explained that it was because they were getting ready to re-open once they received their alcohol licence.”

The application will now be reviewed by the council’s sub-committee on Tuesday, April 4. A decision is expected to be reached on the same day.